Stadol Side Effects

Generic name: butorphanol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 31, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Stadol Side Effects associated with butorphanol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Stadol.

Applies to butorphanol: nasal spray.

Other dosage forms:

• injection solution

Serious side effects of Stadol

Along with its needed effects, butorphanol (the active ingredient contained in Stadol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking butorphanol:

• cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• dizziness (severe)
• drowsiness (severe)
• nervousness, restlessness, or weakness (severe)
• small pupils
• slow heartbeat
• slow or troubled breathing

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking butorphanol:

Other side effects of Stadol

Some side effects of butorphanol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

• anxious feeling
• diarrhea
• nervousness and restlessness

Precautions

Butorphanol will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; other prescription pain medicines, including other narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, and check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the medicines listed above, while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded, or to feel a false sense of well-being. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert and clearheaded.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially in the first hour after use or when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine.

Butorphanol may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

If you have been using this medicine regularly for several weeks or more, do not suddenly stop using it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are using before stopping completely, in order to lessen the chance of withdrawal side effects.

If you think you or someone else may have used an overdose, get emergency help at once. Using an overdose of this medicine or taking alcohol or CNS depressants with this medicine may lead to unconsciousness or death. Signs of overdose include convulsions (seizures), confusion, severe nervousness or restlessness, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, slow or troubled breathing, and severe weakness.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to butorphanol: injectable solution, nasal spray.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse events have included somnolence, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Nasal congestion has been reported with use of the nasal spray.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasal congestion (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Epistaxis, nasal congestion, nasal irritation, rhinitis, sinus congestion, sinusitis, nose pain, cough, dyspnea
• Frequency not reported: Shallow breathing^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in butorphanol (the active ingredient contained in Stadol) nasal spray.

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, anorexia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (49%), dizziness (23%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, lethargy, confusion, dizziness, paresthesia, somnolence, tremor, unpleasant taste
• Postmarketing reports: Serotonin syndrome^[Ref]

Concomitant use of opioids and serotonergic drugs have been associated with reports of serotonin syndrome.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, euphoria, nervousness
• Frequency not reported: Abnormal dreams, agitation, dysphoria, hallucinations, hostility, withdrawal symptoms, depression

Abnormal dreams, agitation, dysphoria, hallucinations, hostility, withdrawal symptoms, and depression have been reported in less than 1% of patients.

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, hypotension, vasodilation, palpitations
• Frequency not reported: Syncope, edema, chest pain, tachycardia^[Ref]

Syncope, chest pain, tachycardia, and edema have been reported in less than 1% of patients.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Sweating, pruritus
• Frequency not reported: Rash/hives^[Ref]

Rash/hives have been reported in less than 1% of patients.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, sensation of heat, pain, ear pain, tinnitus^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Impaired urination

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Adrenal insufficiency, androgen deficiency

Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use; Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids.

See also:

Further information

Stadol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer